Photograph soars away at auction sale

She was one of the pioneers of aviation and a signed photograph of Amy Johnson was snapped up at auction in Shrewsbury.

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The signed photograph of Amy Johnson that was included in the autograph book.

The photo was found in an autograph album containing the signatures of British aviation pioneers which sold for £350 at Halls' Battlefield showroom.

Johnson, CBE (1903-41), was the first female pilot to fly alone from Britain to Australia. Flying solo or with her husband, Jim Mollison, she set numerous long-distance records during the 1930s.

Mollison was another of the signatures contained in the book, which included Captain T Neville Stack and Sir Alan Cobham. Stack (1896-1949) was a 1920s test pilot, air racer and aviation pioneer who served in both the First and Second World Wars and in all three services. Cobham was an English pilot and long distance aviation pioneer.

The autograph book, which was sold in interiors and books auction, also contained signatures of Americas Cup contender Sir Thomas Lipton, operatic soprano Nellie Melba (1861-1931) and contralto Clara Butt, a letter from Music Hall star Marie Lloyd (1870-1922) and a signed photograph of comedian ‘Monsewer’ Eddie Gray.

Halls is now accepting entries for its next books sale on October 25. Contact the company on 01743 450700 for further information.